Manuel Ugarte transformation spotted vs West Ham, Man United star now has Ruben Amorim’s perfect trait

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Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte stood out during the win over West Ham in pre-season.

The unbeaten start to pre-season continued, with Manchester United beating West Ham 2-1 in New Jersey to pick up a win in the first game of the 2025 US tour.

Ruben Amorim chose not to include new signing Bryan Mbeumo against the Hammers as he is being allowed extra time to settle and get up to speed.

However, Matheus Cunha impressed again, while Amorim tested the partnership of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte further back in midfield, allowing club captain Bruno Fernandes to play in an advanced role and score a brace.

It was an extremely promising performance from the Red Devils, and Ugarte caught the eye.

Manuel Ugarte is looking “more athletic” this summer

United fans were amazed by Ugarte in midfield, with the Uruguayan dominating Premier League opponents during his 70-minute display.

MUTV pundits also picked out his performance for praise, stating that Ugarte was “absolutely everywhere” against West Ham.

Now, The Athletic have also pointed out Ugarte’s transformation, with Laurie Whitwell writing that Ugarte “looked more athletic”.

Ugarte, who was signed for £42m last summer, started in midfield alongside Mainoo – a partnership that hasn’t always worked out but is clearly one that Amorim wants to work on.

Mainoo thrived against West Ham and worked well with Ugarte in the heart of midfield, often winning the ball back high with an energetic counter-press.

Manuel Ugarte could be Ruben Amorim’s “athletic” midfielder

It is well known that Amorim wants a new “athletic” midfielder to be signed after feeling disappointed at the lack of intensity often spotted in the middle of the pitch.

Against Leeds, Amorim complained about a “lack of pace” in midfield after starting Casemiro and Fernandes together in the two central positions.

The Portuguese head coach explained that the first 70 minutes would be given to United’s ‘first team’, so it seems Ugarte has worked his way into Amorim’s plans as a starter.

While the Red Devils remain in the market for a new midfielder, Amorim has also hinted that he would be happy to start the season with this squad.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim unleashed new tactical change vs West Ham practiced in training, it’s from Sir Alex’s playbook

If that was to be the case, he is already moulding Ugarte into the midfielder he needs – athletic, intense and relentless.

It will require a lot of work on the training pitch, but it seems Amorim has a plan for Ugarte and Mainoo to play alongside each other in midfield.